About the role#
The Process Improvement Intern supports the Office of the CEO by applying Lean methodologies to hospital operations. You will work alongside clinical staff, therapy teams, and leadership to identify inefficiencies and support standardization across departments. This internship focuses on education, hands-on training, and project work.
What you'll do#
- Develop A3 reports to document root cause analysis and propose countermeasures for operational challenges.
- Conduct Gemba walks and waste identification sessions in clinical and administrative areas.
- Perform time-and-motion studies to establish productivity baselines and identify bottlenecks in patient flow or staff workflows.
- Create current-state and future-state maps to visualize complex healthcare processes.
- Assist in the design and implementation of visual cues, dashboards, and huddle boards to improve communication and transparency.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to validate findings and support sustainable changes.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in an accredited program for Industrial Engineering, Industrial Operations, or Healthcare Administration.
- Strong interest in Lean methodologies and continuous improvement.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel for data analysis and PowerPoint for presentations.
- Strong interpersonal skills to navigate a clinical environment with sensitivity and professionalism.
Location & details#
- Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan.
- Modality: On-site.
- Term: Rolling.
- Schedule: 20 to 40 hours per week for a 12 to 16 week period.
- Compensation: This is an unpaid internship, though a monthly stipend may be offered for basic needs like meals, transportation, or lodging.
About Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital is a non-profit rehabilitation system based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Founded in 1891, the organization provides specialized medical and sports rehabilitation programs for children and adults. It operates a network that includes more than three dozen acute-care hospitals across four states. The system employs over 1,400 people and focuses on treating conditions such as brain injuries, strokes, and spinal cord injuries.
How to get in at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
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